“Ignoring red flags often results in serious long-term consequences. Heed the warnings, don’t run from them.” ~LMB
I’m often amazed at the people men and women allow into their lives. There are often so many red flags regarding who people are that you would think more people would heed the warning signs. Instead, though, too many of us not only ignore the warning signs, we blow right past them and invite a lot of unnecessary drama, upset, and turmoil into our lives.
Rather than walking in the other direction when the “player” comes your way, perhaps you think you’ll be the special one to change his ways. The life of the party who falls down drunk on your second date is seen as “a blast” versus someone who may have a possible addiction. Your date, who’s been married and divorced three times already, is given your empathy for choosing so poorly. You fail to ponder the possibility that s/he may be a difficult partner to be married to. Even the man with a history of domestic violence somehow becomes the victim of the crazy woman who “made him violent.” It’s fascinating what you can do with the most glaring red flags in front of you. And it’s sad.
Red flags are vital caution signs warning you to stay alert and leave the scene if necessary. Too often, though, we fail to heed these warnings. Until you are healthy enough to walk away from the bad scenarios, you will unlikely find yourself in the awesome ones. Dare to walk away from the serious red flags before you are too entangled to dare to leave.
Challenge: Become wiser about recognizing red flags and courageous enough to walk away when those flags are screaming, “Danger—unlikely healthy outcome!” Listen to your instincts, not your hopes, wishes, or desperation when it comes to red flags. And NEVER fall in love with someone’s potential because far too many people never reach that imagined potential.